Though born in Nebraska, artist Ed Ruscha spent many developmental years—about fifteen of them—here in Oklahoma. Since then, he’s moved on to bigger places and better things, but his work has always managed to keep this state very close to his heart.
As a visual celebration of his life and art, Oklahoma Contemporary, 11 NW 11th Street, will present Ed Ruscha: OKLA starting today. Focusing on his sixty-plus year career and his ties to the state, the exhibition will feature known art like “Twentysix Gasoline Stations” and “Chocolate Room” as well as newer pieces of work that guarantee a full spectrum of who exactly Ruscha is.
“(Oklahoma) is an unbelievable, romantic place to me,” Ruscha said. “Every time I return to the state I want to drive out to the panhandle because it’s so austere and beautiful. It sort of revives my entire feeling about the state of Oklahoma.”